The Dou

 

This is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of Japanese Cuirass'. It is an overview and includes explanations on some of the styles I can or do make.

 

The Dou or cuirass is the heart of a japanese armour. The oldest surviving Dou are of the style know as Tanko. Another early style lamellar dou known as Keiko is often depicted on early clay warriors or Haniwa. The images show a lamellar thought to have its roots on the mainland in China and Korea. These lamellar eventually evolved into the more widely known sane or scales. During the Heian period armours made of sane laced with silk or leather and designed for mounted combat (primarily archery) became popular. These O-yoroi are characterized by a smooth leather facing (the) to prevent the bowstring from snagging and a four section skirt or kusazuri.

 

Tanko in the Stibbert collection.

 

O-Yoroi from Itsukushima Shrine

(Note: Itsukushima Jinja was severely damaged

by typhoon # 18 in September 2004. Donations

for the ongoing repairs are greatly appreciated.)

 

The widespread use of O-yoroi continued through the early part of the Kamakura era. Changes in the style of warfare (including the disatrous invasion attempt by the Mongols) elicited a change in the dou as well. Kozane began to used in Dou maru and Haramaki dou. The kusazuri were divided into more sections and the dou became lighter and more suitable for foot combat. These are the typical armours of the Nanbocho and Muromachi periods.

Haramaki from the National Museum at Ueno

 

Dou Maru

 

Toward the end of the Muromachi period, internecine civil war spread across the islands of Japan. The Sengoku jidai or warring states period closed out the Muromachi period covered the Azuchi-Momoyama period and only truly ended with the Pax Tokugawa. During the Sengoku jidai armour change was rapid and many styles came into vogue.

 

Dou maru and Haramaki were typically one piece dou. The Dou maru was split down the right side while the Haramaki was split down the back. These dou are appropriate for larger individuals. I CAN make these for SCA style combat. However, I do NOT manufacture kozane. Something for SCA combat should use the Noble plastics kozane. Cost of the kozane ALONE for an average sized person is in the $700 dollar range and most folks would rather lace thier own. If somone really wants one, arrangements can be made.

 

Ni Mai Dou

Ni Mai Dou or clamshell cuirass come in a variety of styles. Nuinobe Dou, Hotoke dou, Nanban dou, Yoko Hagi Dou, Tate Hagi Dou, Okashi Dou.

We currently offer Yoko Hagi Okegawa Dou in two sizes. To better approximate correct weight while maintaining combat longevity these dou are made from 1mm high carbon steel. We plan to have epoxy resin kiritsuzane kusazuri available as an option in the near future.

 

Byo Toji Yokohagi Okegawa Dou

 

Hishinui Toji Nuinobe Dou with Kiritsuzane kusazuri.

 

Go Mai Dou

Although there are various types of Go Mai Dou, the best known is the Yukinoshita Dou or Sendai Dou. Made famous by thier wide use by the Date clan in the Sendai region of Japan, these dou are simple yet elegant. Black Hydra Armouries is pleased to offer these reproductions of the armour made famous by Date Masamune. Constructed of 1mm spring steel, these dou are available in a number of lacing colours with a black-powdercoat finish.

 

Sendai Dou